Far-right leader Geert Wilders left the ongoing negotiations on forming a new coalition government early on Monday, following “tough talks” about finances and measures to reduce the number of asylum seekers coming to the Netherlands. 

The talks were due to continue until 7 pm but Wilders left at around 3.30 pm. Political sources have told Dutch media he considers the proposed measures to limit refugee numbers did not go far enough. 

The talks leaders said Wilders did not leave in anger.  However, the PVV leader said on social media on Monday evening that he has “finished making concessions”. 

“It is their turn to deliver,” he said.

Wilders also reposted a social media message from RTL Nieuws which stated that he was speechless about the outgoing government’s plans to spend more money on refugees.

Monday’s spring financial statement includes extra funding for emergency accommodation topping €1 billion over the next two years.

The outgoing government is still in power pending an agreement about a new coalition and is continuing to press ahead with policy.

The publication of the spring statement – an interim budget that the cabinet traditionally publishes in May to solve any issues that have developed since the September budget presentation –  took place on Monday at the behest of the parties hoping to form a right-wing government. 

The four party leaders have now reported back to their parliamentary parties and the talks will resume on Tuesday morning, broadcaster NOS said. “It is not easy, but we will continue tomorrow, full of confidence,” Richard van Zwol said. 

Last week it became clear that the four parties – Wilders’ PVV, the pro-farmer BBB, the Liberal NSC and CDA split-off NSV, were divided over money – in particular plans to give extra funding to Ukraine.

They also disagree about dealing with the manure mountain and the future of the public broadcasting system as well as curbing immigration and asylum requests.

One month

The two negotiators have been given until mid-May to come up with a more concrete agreement which should then lead to the formation of an “extra-parliamentary” cabinet, which includes ministers who are experts rather than party members. 

So far, candidate ministers and a possible prime minister have not reportedly been the subject of discussions.